Engraving Wedding Bands: Before Or After The Big Day?

Engraving your wedding band is a beautiful way to personalise your ring and add a thoughtful, secret touch. The custom has been around for a long time, dating back to medieval Europe, and it's a great way to commemorate your marriage. But when is the best time to do it?

If you want your wedding ring engraving ready by the time you say I do, it's recommended to start the process at least two months in advance. This will ensure that you have enough time to think about what you want to be engraved and that the jeweller has enough time to complete the process. However, if you decide to get your rings engraved after the wedding, that's perfectly fine too! You can add this personal touch to your rings at any time.

When to get the engraving done

If you know you want your wedding bands engraved, it's best to let your jeweller know before purchasing the rings. Engraving typically happens at the end of the manufacturing process, so you'll have time to think about what you want to be engraved while the rings are being made. If you decide to get your rings engraved after you've bought them, or even after the wedding, that's also possible. You can simply take your rings to a local jeweller to have them engraved.

If you want your wedding ring engraving ready by the time you exchange vows, it's recommended to start the process at least two months in advance. If you'll be engraving your wedding bands after the proposal but before the wedding, try to find a few free weeks where you won't need the rings. You'll likely want your rings for events like engagement parties and bachelor/bachelorette parties.

Of course, you can also engrave your rings after the big day. If you change your mind a few months or years down the line, you can begin the personalisation process at any time.

The cost of engraving

Some jewellers offer flat rates for engraving services. For example, Bario Neal charges a flat rate of $50 for all hand engravings with no character limitations. James Free Jewelers offers free engraving if you purchase your ring from them, otherwise, they charge a flat fee of $25.

Machine engraving, which is typically done using a laser, tends to be cheaper and can be completed within a day or two. Laser engraving, in particular, is a precise and fast process that uses a pencil-sized laser beam. It is also suitable for dense metals such as tungsten carbide. In contrast, hand engraving can be more expensive, starting at around $60 and going upwards of $400, but it adds a special hand-forged feel to the ring.

It's important to note that the band's width can also impact the cost of engraving. A minimum band width of 2mm is recommended for engraving, with 3mm being preferred. Additionally, some metals are easier to engrave than others. Gold and platinum are good choices as they can be polished if any errors occur during the engraving process. On the other hand, tungsten, cobalt, and coated sterling silver are harder to work with as errors cannot be polished out.

When considering the cost of engraving wedding bands, it's advisable to call around to different jewellers to get quotes and find one that suits your budget and specific requirements.

Choosing what to engrave

Nicknames or terms of endearment

You could engrave a nickname or a pet name that you call each other. This is a fun and lighthearted option that will bring a smile to your partner's face every time they look at their ring.

Significant dates

Significant dates are a popular choice for wedding ring engravings. You could choose your wedding date, the day you met, the day you fell in love, or the day you got engaged. Using numbers only saves space, but you could also spell out the date for a more traditional look.

Names or initials

You could engrave your first names, such as "Brody + Cammi", or use initials to save space. You can also use a monogram with the last name initial in the middle and the first name initials on either side.

Sentiments or quotes

Sentiments or quotes that reflect your love or your relationship are a great option for wedding ring engravings. Choose something that captures your personality and the essence of your relationship. If you're stuck for ideas, consider a romantic quote like "My heart is in your hands" or "You are my soulmate".

Bible verses or religious quotes

Bible verses are a meaningful way to capture the essence of love and marriage. Choose a verse that resonates with you, or one that you plan to read at your wedding. If the entire verse doesn't fit, you can shorten it or just engrave the name of the verse.

Song lyrics or poems

If you're a musician or a poet, you might want to consider engraving a snippet of your own work onto your partner's wedding ring. Alternatively, you could choose a meaningful line from your first dance song or another special song.

Funny phrases or inside jokes

If your relationship is full of laughter and jokes, consider engraving something funny on your wedding rings. It could be an inside joke that only your partner will understand, or a lighthearted phrase like "Put your ring back on!" or "You're stuck with me now".

Significant locations

If you have a special location that holds a lot of meaning for you as a couple, you could engrave the name of that place on your wedding bands. This could be the place you first met, the place you realised you loved your partner, or even the location of your wedding.

Images or symbols

Instead of words, you could choose to engrave a small image or symbol that represents your love. This could be something simple like hearts, an infinity sign, or a yin yang symbol. Alternatively, you could have your fingerprint engraved onto the wedding band for a truly unique design.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose something that reflects your relationship and that will have lasting meaning for you and your partner.

The process of engraving

Engraving is a beautiful way to personalise your wedding bands. The process is straightforward and safe, and there are a few different methods to choose from. The best method for your ring will depend on its size, material, and the type of engraving you want. Here's what you need to know about the process:

Hand Engraving

Hand engravings are typically used for smaller engravings, such as a date or name. This method is best suited for softer metals like gold.

Laser Engraving

Laser engravings are ideal for longer messages. This method is precise and fast, using a pencil-sized laser beam. It is also a good option for denser metals like tungsten or titanium.

Machine Engraving

Machine engravings are best for letters and symbols. This method is suitable for metals like silver and platinum.

The Process

Once you've decided on the method of engraving, the next step is to choose your message. This can be the most challenging part, as you may be limited to around 30 characters. You'll want to choose something meaningful and special, such as a date, initials, a quote, or a romantic message.

After you've chosen your message, you'll need to find a jeweller to do the engraving. Some jewellers may offer basic engraving services for free, while others may charge a fee. It's important to ask about the cost and process before handing over your rings.

The engraving process can take anywhere from an hour to a month, so it's essential to plan ahead, especially if you want the engravings to be ready by your wedding day.

Finally, once the engravings are done, carefully check the rings for any errors. Engravings are permanent, so you'll want to ensure they are perfect before leaving the jeweller.

The history of engraving

During the medieval era, "posey rings" (derived from the French word for poem: "poésie") were inscribed with secret messages of love, religious texts, or images of animals and plants. Couples believed that wearing these words close to the skin deepened their meaning.

In the Byzantine Empire, rings were engraved with figures of the couple, and in the 15th century, "Posie rings" became popular, allowing couples to inscribe short, personal verses on the inside of the ring.

Today, engraving wedding bands is a popular way to personalise the jewellery and add a secret, meaningful touch.

Frequently asked questions